A brilliant start to the new season with seven boats attending. Three 16's and four 13's. We were gently eased into the season's sailing on Saturday with light winds and glorious sunshine. (Many boats were drifting around- or was that Alf going rudderless!) A worrying situation arose though, which threatened a most important part of the weekend when the local hostelry couldn't accommodate seventeen of us for our meal that evening! But our ever
calm and collected Chairman Roger, assisted by the Sailing Secretary Angela
and husband Bruce, saved the situation by locating another nearby
establishment where we had a very good meal preceded by a committee meeting to
sort out a few details! It was much appreciated that Membership Secretary Dave
and Liz who deals with Publicity, accompanied by their daughter Katherine
arrived to join us for the committee meeting. (The Ellis family were not sailing due to the outbreak of chickenpox, quarantine was over but the spots were not and Katherine didn't feel like sailing.)
Sunday was a different situation altogether weather wise, very stiff breezes
and choppy water, all seven crews bravely set out and an interesting and
lively time was had by all. Christine and myself, in Christine's thirteen had
some fraught moments, especially when I tried to pirouette! we had a good look
at the centreboard over the gunnels but then, like Alan (quote of the week in
Laserlines) decided that we "wouldn't bother to capsize"!
After quite a strenuous morning and with de-rigging and the journey home to
contemplate we all decided over lunch that we would not sail in the afternoon,
though my decision was very much governed by the strengthening wind and the
white horses galloping over the water!
We do have a very friendly and relaxed organisation and sail to enjoy the
sport and good company. There are many associations that one can join for the
competitive side of the sport and some of our members do both. But it is good
to find a family oriented sailing association that encourages all dinghy
classes, and all levels of ability to enjoy relaxed and enjoyable sailing. So
if you have not yet joined us at any of the venues so far, come and meet us.
If you want to come without your boat at first then we will be happy to let
you join us in one of our boats.
Pictures by Liz and Dave Ellis